It's sort of hard to know where to begin-- I picked Simon from his litter at 6 weeks old, too early, almost 16 years ago. He was asleep and I assumed he'd be a quiet calm little guy. Of course, I was wrong. He was every bit the ball of energy you'd expect from a lab mix puppy. He was snow white, with a solid black nose and eyeliner.

I'll admit that we did a lot of things wrong with him. I'd have done almost everything differently if I could do it over again. But one thing for sure, he loved me. He was a one owner dog, and I was It. He followed me around and wanted to be with me all the time. Even today, before we took him in, he always wanted to see where I was.

He's not been in great shape the last couple of years, but we've managed to keep him comfortable and relatively happy. Over the last week, though, he's been on a steady decline. He hasn't really wanted--or seemed able-- to eat. Last night he was breathing hard, walking against the walls to stay standing, and lying completely still while everything went on around him. He hasn't been quite himself for a while, but last night he told me that he was tired of this and that he's done.

So this morning I made him a turkey sandwich that he loved every single bite of. I laid on the kitchen floor with him, snuggled in his bed, and took him in to the vet's office to let him go. He was just ready.

Caring for him and trying to make up for all that I did wrong had become a way of life for me. I am 31 years old and Simon has been part of my life for more than half of that. It's like losing a piece of myself and I know already that I am going to be so lost.

I love you, bud. I'm sorry I couldn't have done more for you. And I already miss you so, so much.

The way I think of him.Greeting River on her first night with us.Deciding maybe being inside has its perks.My little lamb.Being a senior has also its perks...like riding shotgun.Being sillyToday.(explodingdog.com)

"In these bodies, we will live; in these bodies we will die.Where you invest your love, you invest your life." --Marcus Mumford

I'm so sorry to hear this, I can only imagine how it must feel to lose something that's been a huge part of your life for so long. =( Even with any mistakes you may have made, Simon had an amazing life with you, better than a lot of dogs get. *hugs* Plus he had a long life, with his favorite person.

I am 31 years old and Simon has been part of my life for more than half of that. It's like losing a piece of myself and I know already that I am going to be so lost.

It's really hard when you think about how they raised you. I mean, on the one hand you raised them and cared for them from puppyhood into adulthood... but when you really think about it, they are the ones raising us and taking care of us.

It is never easy to lose a friend whether you only have a few years behind you, or several. It totally sucks and I'm sorry. Simon was well loved and you have to know that he knew that.

The pain is absolutely horrible but hopefully as the hours turn to days, and days to weeks, you'll be able to look back on the good memories that you made together. In time it won't hurt so much and will eventually bring a smile to your face rather than tears.

I can only please one person per day. Today is not your day, tomorrow doesn't look good either.
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"You didn't know of the magical powers of the break stick? It's up there with genies and Harry Potter as far as magic levels go." SisMorphine 01/07/07